The Czech Republic received the first two new US-made Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters yesterday. The delivery comes at a time of renewed interest by the military in rotary-wing aircraft, which have proven to be a key weapon in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It was communicated by the Czech defense ministry, according to which the new helicopters will be stationed at the base of Náměšť nad Oslavou, in the south-east of the country. 

"The delivery of the first American helicopters is a significant moment in the modernization of the Czech Army, which brings the Air Force's aircraft department into the 21st century. In this way, we get rid of our dependence on Russian technology and switch to a modern Western platform provided by an important ally", said Jana Černochová, Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic. 

Prague will receive in September two more Viper helicopters and the first two Bell UH-1Y Venom multipurpose aircraft. The arrival of the new units comes as the old Soviet-made Mil Mi-24 and Mil Mi-35 attack helicopters are being withdrawn from service. Meanwhile, four of these Soviet-made aircraft have already been delivered to Ukraine and more will follow the same route to support Kiev's war against Russia.